Birmingham's B-side

The wait is over… after hundreds of nominations, scores of Twitter selfies and lively online debate, our panel has chosen the 21 tracks that they feel epitomise the diverse and rich range of music from the West Midlands, past and present.

From a long list featuring over 150 songs, 85 artists and covering six decades, this is your B-side album...

B-SIDE: THE ALBUM

Apache Indian – Arranged Marriage (1992)Hailing from Handsworth, Birmingham, one of the earliest UK artists of Asian origin to make an impact on the singles charts.

Joan Armatrading – Love & Affection (1976)Only UK Top 10 hit for award-winning singer songwriter, who settled in Birmingham as a small child.

Black Sabbath – War Pigs (1970)Opening track from the band’s second album, Paranoid.

Broadcast – The Book Lovers (1996)Title track of EP from Birmingham indie electronic band, a favourite of the late John Peel.

The Spencer Davis Group – Gimme Some Lovin’ (1966)Number two hit written by Steve Winwood, Spencer Davis and Muff Winwood and since covered by the likes of The Blues Brothers and Olivia Newton-John.

The Devils – Barbarellas (2002)Electronic pop band formed by two of Duran Duran’s original line-up, Nick Rhodes and Stephen Duffy, the track tells the story of the Birmingham club where they played many early gigs.

Dexys Midnight Runners – This Is What She’s Like (1985)Twelve-minute track from the ‘comeback’ album Don’t Stand Me Down.

ELO – Mr Blue Sky (1977)Number 6 hit taken from the album Out of the Blue and a favourite of Birmingham City fans.

Torqux feat. Lady Leshurr – Blazin’ (2013)Rapper/singer from Solihull who collaborated with duo Torqux on this track from their debut EP.

UB40 – One In Ten (1981)Top ten single from band’s second album Present Arms; the title is a reference to percentage of the workforce claiming unemployment benefit in the West Midlands in the summer of 1981.